Fringed Kidney Lichen

Nephroma helveticum, the fringed kidney lichen, is a species of cyanolichen in the family Peltigeraceae. First described by Erik Acharius in 1810, it is part of a complex taxonomic group that includes N. tropicum. Modern molecular studies have shown that material previously identified as N. helveticum actually comprises two distinct species. The species occurs in moist, shady environments, particularly in old-growth forests. In North America, it is found at low elevations in riparian areas with coastal influence, while in Europe, where it is extremely rare, it occurs in montane-oceanic regions and shows a preference for basic rock substrates.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Fringed Kidney Lichen being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Sticta beauvoisii
• Nephroma laevigatum
• Nephroma bellum
• Sticta carolinensis
• Nephroma parile
• Pseudocyphellaria fimbriatoides

Classification

Kingdom

Fungi

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Lecanoromycetes

Order

Peltigerales

Family

Nephromataceae

Genus

Nephroma

Species

Nephroma helveticum

More species